I have been here for a while now (~6 weeks), and I have come to the conclusion that rather than being a pile of potheaded hippies, Amsterdam is basically an awesome steampunk-style city that reminds me of The Chaos Engine. There is constant motion, but very different to the big cities like London or New York. Bikes, scooters, mopeds, roller blades, motorcyles, 3 wheelers, quads, cars, trams, trains running around the clock between the Randstad cities, ferries, planes. It is like a constant circle of motion in the city. There is classic 17th and 18th century architecture, which makes it seem like Booty Bay from Warcraft, but at the same time ultra hi tech buildings and apartments. But, no typical european empire/plaza/parade areas. The focus on people is entirely different to other capitals which focussed on armies and palaces. I've visited Holland many times, but basically only around Nieuwemarkt, and outside holland in Maastricht.

It's also shocked me how modern the Netherlands is with infrastructure for daily life. Free international bank transfers, online, a chip and pin device for use for purchases online at home, without the need to spend Ł20 a go and have a discussion by phone. Then, 120Mbit fibre optic broadband for €55/month. I am sure there are ATMs that can count and lodge money in London, but I had never seen these before and it's the normal way of lodging cash here. But, the online banking is generally fucking light-years ahead of the UK, IMHO.

So, I arrive in Rotterdam for work after my intensive Dutch courses. Rotterdam feels like it's from the 22nd century. It is not like any other european city, and I think it is because there is such an abundance of architect firms here. The plans for the "vertical city" De Rotterdam have already turned into reality and they are at ground level or 1st floor construction already since I first came over in April. The whole area of Kop van Zuid is quite amazing; again, these skyscrapers are not primarily for businesses or massive corporations, but instead for modern housing. I can see much more clearly how the dutch influenced the US-style of building and streets and civic structures, probably more IMO than any other european influence. Compare modern German, UK or French cities - the Netherlands seems to be basically decades ahead, from the bike racks under the buildings, bike lanes everywhere, totally integrated public transport ticketing, it's basically quite phenomenal. There seems to be a futuristic metropolis being built here, quietly, which I never even considered. The whole city seemingly is endless development.

In fact this whole Randstad thing is also fascinating. It's the fifth largest "urban" area in europe, with around 7 million people. But, translated to english, it just sounds fucking cool: Rim City - it's filthy and futuristic in one word. But, crucially, there are excellent connections everywhere, between all the areas, and populations are much more balanced. There none of the chaotic disorganisation of London, even though population and density is only ~ 10% smaller.

Well seems me and four others are headed to Amsterdam in september for a 25th birthday.
Any pointers for places worth eating at, Clubs worth going to, intresting hidden away shops/coffee shops and so on? Special baked goods for being something I wish to sample while there!